The Press THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 1964. Dramatic Design For Parliament

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30405, 2 April 1964, Page 12

The Press THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 1964. Dramatic Design For Parliament

Sir Basil Spence’s proposal for the completion of Parliament Buildings may arouse some controversy. That is a good reason for supposing it to be a good design. The magnificent site and the two handsome and historic buildings already on it cry out for rescue from the utilitarian towers of government departments. Sir Basil Spence’s method is indubitably dramatic, though his model shows how neatly he has also preserved a relationship with the beautiful colonnade of the central, unfinished building. Indeed, his conception, bold enough to hold its own in the surroundings, contrives to be oddly reminiscent of the original design, his “ beehive ” a much-enlarged version of the central dome that was to have crowned the fine entrance. From the model it is not possible to be sure how the “ beehive ” will preserve the rhythm, scale, and balance of light and shade; but we can accept the word of Sir Basil Spence for that. And, as for controversy, Parliament should not worry too much about that. Where is the controversy over Sir Basil Spence’s Coventry Cathedral now? Sir Basil Spence proposes a building that will have more than a striking appearance. His idea of taking Ministerial suites out of the House of Parhament is functionally correct. Better and more appropriate accommodation can be found for them in the new wing. An incidental improvement, as the model shows, will be the removal of the flimsy, wartime additions on the roof of the central building, and with them the anomalous presence of a whole government department. These changes will allow all members of Parliament to have their offices in the same building as their debating chamber, an arrangement of greater efficiency and dignity. The Parliamentary committee has done well to accept the principle and to permit the Government Architect (Mr F. G. F. Sheppard) to go ahead with the sketch plans on which a final decision can be made. For a work of such national significance, it is eminently proper that the main design work should be entrusted to the Government Architect and his staff, who will, however, be able to call on Sir Basil Spence for advice. We can look forward with confidence to their designing a building that will improve the working of Parliament, and that will, in the words of the Prime Minister, be “a source of “national pride and international interest”.